Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Key Lime Custard is a dessert-forward, mostly indica cultivar developed by Oregon Microgrowers Guild, a craft collective known for small-batch phenotype hunts in the Pacific Northwest. The Guild’s focus has historically centered on robust, resin-heavy indicas and dessert hybrids suited to Oregon’s variable climate, and Key Lime Custard fits squarely within that remit. The name signals both the citrus-lime snap on the nose and a creamy, custard-like finish, indicating a deliberate pursuit of culinary aromatics alongside sturdy morphology. In an era when consumer demand favors flavor-forward indicas, Key Lime Custard emerged to satisfy both connoisseur palates and growers seeking reliable structure.
Publicly available records indicate that Oregon Microgrowers Guild released Key Lime Custard in limited batches before it broadened through clone and seed drops to select partners. This rollout approach is common for Guild projects, allowing stability checks over multiple runs before wider distribution. The cultivar quickly earned a reputation for dense buds and a terpene bouquet that feels tailor-made for Oregon’s market, where citrus-forward indicas test well with both flower and concentrate users. As the strain circulated, growers noted consistency in plant size and flowering times, two hallmarks of a carefully worked line.
The cultivar’s name evokes key-lime tartness layered over a sweet custard base, hinting at its dessert lineage. Oregon Microgrowers Guild targeted this profile to differentiate from straightforward citrus sativas, building a complex, soothing finish favored for evening use. This direction reflects broader consumer trends: in mature markets, hybrid-indica profiles consistently rank near the top in sales share, driven by flavor complexity and approachable effects. Key Lime Custard has since become a sought-after selection in collections that value both taste and predictable garden performance.
Because it originated in Oregon, Key Lime Custard was field-tested in conditions that include cool nights, coastal humidity, and significant mold pressure in late season. The Guild’s work appears to reflect this reality, as growers report better-than-average resistance to botrytis compared to loosely built sativa-dominant flowers. While no cultivar is immune in heavy wet weather, indica-dominant bud architecture with proper canopy management tends to fare better outdoors. This regional fit helped establish the strain as a sensible choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens in similar climates.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expression
Oregon Microgrowers Guild has not publicly disclosed an official, verified parentage for Key Lime Custard, a common practice among breeders protecting proprietary work. Nonetheless, the sensory profile and structure strongly suggest a Key Lime Pie influence—a known phenotype associated with the Girl Scout Cookies family—crossed to a creamy, dessert-leaning indica line. The “custard” component aligns with genetics that throw vanilla, cream, or pastry notes, which often show up in Cookies × Kush or Cookies × OG hybrids. The end result behaves as a mostly indica plant, commonly described by growers as in the 65–80% indica range based on leaf morphology and effect.
Several cut-only selections circulating under Key Lime Custard show a consistent terpene hierarchy of limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene, a chemical footprint consistent with Cookies-descended citrus dessert strains. This terp stack supports the lime-zest top note and creamy finish while underscoring a calm, body-forward experience. Phenotypically, most cuts present medium-height plants with thick lateral branching, short to medium internodal distances, and a high calyx-to-leaf ratio by week five of flower. These traits align with an indica-dominant architecture designed for dense, resin-rich buds.
Growers frequently report that Key Lime Custard maintains a stable stretch profile, typically 1.5× in the first two weeks after the flip indoors. That puts it in a manageable class for tents and rooms with 7–8 foot ceiling clearance, especially under trellis. Plants trained with a simple topping and one or two layers of netting tend to form even canopies and uniform colas, a hallmark of stabilized dessert hybrids. The phenotype uniformity suggests deliberate selection for commercial viability.
While parent lines are not confirmed, the behavior in solventless processing has become a talking point in grower circles. Resin heads display a mid-sized gland with strong adhesion and good clarity when harvested on time, two factors that matter for ice-water hash. Anecdotally, well-grown material has returned 3–5% fresh-frozen hash yields and 20–25% rosin from hash, placing it in the “solid washer” category when dialed. These numbers vary by cultivation practices and harvest timing, but they reflect a resin-forward genetic intent.
Botanical Appearance and Bag Appeal
In the jar, Key Lime Custard displays dense, golf-ball to torpedo-shaped buds with a lime-to-forest-green base color. In cooler night temperatures below 62°F (17°C) during late flower, some phenotypes express lavender or plum hues along the sugar leaves and calyx tips. Copper-orange pistils weave through a heavy trichome blanket that gives the flower a frosted, almost powdered-sugar look. The high calyx density contributes to a premium, chunky appearance prized on dispensary shelves.
Under magnification, trichome heads mature from clear to milky rapidly between days 52 and 60, with amber appearing on guard leaves slightly earlier. The resin layer is thick enough that even minimal agitation releases a strong lime-cream aroma. A well-trimmed sample will show very little leftover leaf due to the cultivar’s favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio, enhancing its perceived quality. This also shortens trim time, a minor but real advantage in production settings.
Breakdown reveals tightly packed calyces that spring apart with a satisfying snap when properly cured at 58–62% relative humidity. The inner bud surfaces push out a brighter lime-and-vanilla note than the outer surface, signaling volatile terpenes preserved by careful drying. The structure resists powdering or crumbling when moisture content is maintained near 11–12% by weight, a range often measured with moisture meters for consistent curing. These physical traits reinforce the cultivar’s reputation for both visual impact and fresh, expressive aroma.
Because of the dense build, Key Lime Custard benefits from careful handling during harvest and trimming to avoid compressing trichome heads. Growers who wet-trim report slightly brighter citrus notes, while dry-trim approaches tend to preserve the creamy base and deepen the overall aroma. Both methods can produce excellent bag appeal as long as environmental parameters are controlled. In retail displays, buds retain their shine and shape, which helps explain repeat purchases tied to appearance and nose.
Aroma and Nose
Key Lime Custard opens with a vivid lime-zest top note that reads as fresh and slightly tart, followed by a supporting layer of sweet cream. After a grind, the pastry element becomes more pronounced, revealing hints of vanilla custard and, in some phenos, a light graham or shortbread baseline. The finish is rounded by a warm, peppery tickle consistent with beta-caryophyllene, giving the nose a subtle spice that prevents the profile from turning cloying. Altogether, it smells like a citrus dessert topped with freshly whipped cream.
Session to session, the intensity of the lime can vary based on cure and storage. Samples held at 62% RH and below 70°F (21°C) retain terpenes better, with measurable total terpene content staying within 1.5–2.8% by weight in well-grown batches. When improperly stored at higher temperatures, terpene loss can exceed 20–30% over a few weeks as limonene and ocimene volatilize. That drift flattens the lime pop and emphasizes the base sweets, reinforcing the importance of cool, airtight storage.
Some tasters report a faint floral lift layered beneath the cream, an indicator of linalool present at trace to modest levels. Others detect a woody-herbal thread associated with humulene, which complements the citrus and pastry without dominating. This complexity is why the strain stands out among citrus-forward options; it’s not just “lemon” but a dessert spectrum. The aroma’s balance makes it attractive for users who enjoy sweet profiles without overtly sugary or candy-like notes.
Terpene expression can also shift with cultivation parameters and harvest timing. Early harvests skew brighter and more lime-dominant, while later harvests develop rounder vanilla-and-spice depth. Growers targeting concentrate production often harvest when most trichomes are fully milky to capture maximum zest without sacrificing body. This window typically aligns with days 56–63 of flower under 12/12 lighting for indoor grows.
Flavor and Combustion or Vapor Profile
On inhalation, Key Lime Custard delivers a crisp lime peel and sweet citrus entry that immediately registers on the tip and sides of the tongue. Mid-palate transitions to vanilla custard, evoking cream and a hint of bakery sweetness without becoming sticky. The exhale carries a gentle pepper-spice and a faint graham note, likely driven by beta-caryophyllene and humulene in concert. The aftertaste lingers as citrus cream, a profile that maintains complexity across multiple pulls.
Combusted in a clean glass piece, the smoke is smooth when the cure is dialed, producing light-gray ash with minimal throat bite at sensible temperatures. Overheating can mute the citrus and accentuate the spice, so gentle cherrying is recommended. In joints, the lime remains evident through the first half, with the creamy base persisting into the final third if the roll stays cool. Users often note that the flavor is “true to the nose,” a sign of terpene stability.
Vaporization accentuates the brightness and nuance of the lime and floral-cream elements. Settings around 350–390°F (177–199°C) preserve limonene and ocimene top notes, while stepping to 400–430°F (204–221°C) brings out deeper vanilla, spice, and earthy undertones. In portable devices with precise control, a session starting at 370°F and finishing at 405°F showcases the full spectrum. This staged approach also helps conserve terpenes and can extend the time-to-flavor fade.
For concentrate enthusiasts, live resin and rosin formats from Key Lime Custard often amplify the lime custard motif. Sauce and batter textures retain a tart-sweet balance with a rounded mouthfeel, while cold-cured hash rosin tends to hit a fuller cream note. Consumers who are sensitive to sharp citrus can find the custard base tempers the zest at higher doses. Across formats, the strain’s culinary flavor identity remains consistent and memorable.
Cannabinoid Composition and Potency
Lab-tested batches of Key Lime Custard commonly fall in the mid-to-high THC range consistent with modern indica-leaning dessert hybrids. Reports from Oregon testing labs show total THC typically between 19–24%, with some dialed-in indoor runs reaching 25–26% total THC. CBD is generally minimal, often below 0.5%, while minor cannabinoids like CBG appear in the 0.3–1.0% range and CBC around 0.1–0.3%. Total cannabinoids usually land in the 20–27% band, reflecting a potency-forward selection.
For decarboxylated material, THCA converts to THC at roughly 87.7% by mass during ideal decarb, so a flower testing at 24% THCA would yield approximately 21% THC post-decarb. This matters for edible preparations where precise dosing is crucial. Inhalation bypasses decarb calculations because heat is applied in real time, but understanding the THCA-to-THC relationship helps interpret test labels. Buyers should look for both THCA and total THC figures to gauge expected effects.
When formulated into concentrates, total cannabinoid content can exceed 70–85% depending on method, with terpene content from 4–12% in hydrocarbon extracts and 2–6% in solventless rosin. Potency at these levels accentuates sedative body effects at higher doses, even if the initial headspace feels clear. Consumers accustomed to 18–20% flower may find Key Lime Custard’s concentrate forms significantly more narcotic in the tail. This is normal and reflects the concentration of both cannabinoids and terpenes.
Batch-to-batch variation exists, influenced by cultivation parameters, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling. Late-harvest (amber-leaning) flowers may test slightly lower for peak monoterpenes while showing a heavier, more soporific effect profile. Conversely, harvesting at peak cloudy can push perceived potency via strong terpene synergy while maintaining a brighter head. Reviewing a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) helps match a batch’s chemical profile to the user’s intent.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Drivers
Key Lime Custard’s terpene architecture is typically led by limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene, with supporting roles from humulene and linalool. In well-grown indoor flower, total terpenes often register between 1.5–2.8% by weight, with limonene commonly measured at 0.5–0.9%, caryophyllene at 0.3–0.7%, and myrcene at 0.2–0.6%. Secondary terpenes—humulene at 0.1–0.3% and linalool at 0.05–0.2%—round out the pastry-and-spice undertone. Trace ocimene or valencene (0.02–0.08%) may appear in citrusier phenos, adding a bright edge.
Limonene provides the vivid lime-zest top note while contributing to an uplifted initial mood. Beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that binds to CB2 receptors, is associated with peppery warmth and may modulate the body-relaxing character. Myrcene, frequently present in indica-leaning cultivars, can soften the experience into a comfortable, muscle-easing arc. Together, these terpenes support the strain’s “dessert calm” reputation.
Humulene introduces an herbal-woody counterpoint that keeps the sweetness balanced, while linalool imparts a soft floral creaminess and may contribute to perceived soothing qualities. A balanced terpene stack like this often correlates with hybrid-indica effects that are relaxing without instantaneous couchlock at moderate doses. The spice components become more prominent in later pulls or at higher vapor temperatures as lighter monoterpenes volatilize. This shifting emphasis explains why the flavor deepens over a session.
Environmental controls influence terpene output markedly. Maintaining canopy temperatures at 75–80°F (24–27°C) in flower, with night drops of 5–8°F (3–4°C), tends to preserve monoterpene expression. Excessive heat above 84°F (29°C) can depress total terpene content by 10–30%, and overly low humidity can accelerate volatilization. Growers who prioritize terpene data often log totals and ratios across runs to fine-tune their recipe.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
Key Lime Custard delivers a calm, body-forward experience that builds gently rather than hitting all at once. The onset for inhaled flower is typically felt within 5–10 minutes, peaking around 30–45 minutes, and tapering over 2–3 hours. Early in the arc, users often report a light, clear uplift that transitions into muscle release and physical ease. At higher doses, the latter phase can become deeply relaxing and sedative.
Commonly reported effects include stress reduction, mood stabilization, and relief from physical tension. Subjective user reports align with app-based observational data showing that inhaled cannabis produces meaningful symptom improvement across categories, with many registries noting average relief in the range of 3–4 points on 0–10 scales. Citrus-forward terpenes like limonene may support the initial lift, while caryophyllene and myrcene drive the relaxing finish. This synergy helps explain why the strain feels both bright and soothing.
Time-of-day usage trends toward late afternoon and evening, particularly for winding down after work or as a pre-sleep aid. In social settings, moderate doses can remain conversational without heavy impairment, but escalating intake often invites a couch-friendly pace. Music, films, and low-key creative hobbies pair well with the strain’s sensory warmth. Users sensitive to THC may prefer microdosing via small puffs or lower-temperature vaping.
For edible or tincture formats, onset ranges from 30–90 minutes with a duration of 4–8 hours, depending on metabolism and dose. Because Key Lime Custard’s flavor identity is strong, it also translates well to infused confections where decarbed flower or extracts infuse butter, cream, or citrus desserts. Dosing should be conservative for new users; a 2.5–5 mg THC starting point is prudent, titrating upward as needed. This approach reduces the chance of overshooting into sedation.
Potential Medical Applications and Considerations
As a mostly indica cultivar, Key Lime Custard is often selected for stress, anxiety, and sleep-related concerns, as well as aches and muscle tension. Observational studies using app-based data have documented meaningful improvements across insomnia, stress, and pain categories, with many users reporting 30–50% reductions in symptom intensity after inhalation. A 2019 analysis in Scientific Reports found cannabis reduced headache and migraine severity by roughly 47–50%, illustrating the real-world potential for relief in certain populations. While these data are not strain-specific, the calming terpene stack here aligns with those outcomes.
For pain, THC-rich cultivars commonly show short-term reductions in self-reported pain scores, with greater benefit noted after inhalation compared to oral dosing for rapid relief. Caryophyllene’s CB2 activity has been explored for its anti-inflammatory potential, which may partly explain the soothing body effects reported with Key Lime Custard. Myrcene’s presence may contribute to muscle relaxation and perceived analgesia, though human clinical data remain limited. Patients should track dose, timing, and outcomes to find individualized sweet spots.
Sleep is a frequent use case, and many users find Key Lime Custard conducive to falling asleep and staying asleep, particularly when consumed 60–90 minutes before bed. Later-harvest batches with slightly more amber trichomes often feel more sedative, which may be advantageous for insomnia. In surveys, cannabis use is associated with decreased sleep onset latency and nocturnal awakenings for many users, though tolerance can develop. Rotating strains or scheduling periodic tolerance breaks can maintain efficacy.
For anxiety and stress, moderate doses tend to calm without overwhelming, especially when consumed via vaporization at lower temperatures that favor limonene and linalool expression. High-THC doses can paradoxically increase anxiety in sensitive individuals, so gradual titration is recommended. Users should avoid combining with alcohol or sedative medications without medical guidance. As always, consultation with a clinician experienced in cannabis is advised, especially for those with cardiovascular or psychiatric histories.
Potential side effects mirror those of other THC-dominant flowers: dry mouth and eyes are common, with surveys often citing rates of 20–35%. Dizziness, transient anxiety, and increased heart rate can occur at higher doses, especially in new users. For those on prescription medications, particularly blood thinners and CNS depressants, professional guidance is important due to possible interactions. Safe storage and cautious dosing remain paramount for all users.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Key Lime Custard’s mostly indica heritage from Oregon Microgrowers Guild makes it a cooperative cultivar for both indoor and outdoor setups. Indoors, the flowering time averages 56–63 days under 12/12, with many growers harvesting between day 58 and 61 to balance citrus brightness and creamy depth. Outdoors in temperate regions like the Pacific Northwest, target a late September to early October finish, weather permitting. The plant’s compact structure, moderate stretch, and robust lateral branching suit trellised canopies.
Propagation begins with stable seed or verified clone stock; request COAs and source provenance when possible. Maintain a gentle environment for cuts: 75–78°F (24–26°C) with 80–95% RH in domes and low-intensity light around 100–200 PPFD. Rooting typically occurs in 7–12 days with 0.3–0.6 EC nutrient solution and pH 5.8–6.0 for rockwool or 6.2–6.5 for peat/coco blends. Use a mild rooting hormone and ensure adequate airflow to prevent damping-off.
Vegetative growth thrives at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with 55–70% RH and a VPD of 0.8–1.1 kPa. Provide 18/6 or 20/4 photoperiods with 300–600 PPFD, scaling to 700 as plants mature. Feed at 1.2–1.6 EC in soilless media with a balanced NPK and supplemental calcium and magnesium (100–150 ppm Ca, 50–75 ppm Mg). Target pH ranges of 5.8–6.1 for hydro/coco and 6.2–6.8 for soil to optimize nutrient availability.
Training is straightforward: top once or twice to create 6–8 main tops, then install a trellis before flip. Expect a 1.5× stretch; set your net height accordingly to fill the grid by the end of week two. Low-stress training (LST) widens the canopy and improves light penetration in the dense interior. Avoid excessive defoliation; instead, thin selectively in weeks two and three of flower to curb humidity pockets without shocking the plant.
Transition to flower with a stable environment of 74–80°F (23–27°C) days, 66–72°F (19–22°C) nights, and 45–55% RH, maintaining a VPD of 1.2–1.4 kPa. Increase light intensity to 900–1100 PPFD with CO2 supplementation at 900–1200 ppm for advanced rooms to push yield and terpene density. Feed at 1.8–2.2 EC in coco/hydro and maintain moderate runoff to avoid salt buildup. In living soil, top-dress with bloom amendments and maintain consistent moisture using blumats or scheduled irrigations to sustain microbial activity.
Nutrient emphasis shifts toward phosphorus and potassium in early-to-mid flower. A typical weekly macro target for mid flower might land near N-P-K of 1-2-3 by elemental ratio, with sulfur at 50–80 ppm to support terpene synthesis. Avoid overdriving nitrogen after week three to maintain tight nug structure and minimize leafy regrowth. Supplemental silica (50–100 ppm) can strengthen stems and reduce lodging under heavy colas.
Canopy management is critical because Key Lime Custard produces dense flowers with high resin loads. Maintain gentle but constant airflow with oscillating fans above and below the canopy to deter botrytis. Aim for 8–12 air exchanges per hour in sealed rooms and maintain clean intakes in vented spaces. Prune interior larf early in flower to reduce microclimates that foster mold.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should be preventative, not reactive. Regularly scout with yellow and blue sticky cards and inspect leaf undersides with a loupe. Employ beneficials such as Amblyseius cucumeris for thrips and Neoseiulus californicus for broad-spectrum mite pressure, introducing them as prophylaxis in week one of veg and again at flip. Rotate approved contact sprays like essential-oil-based or microbial formulations in veg, and halt foliar applications by week two of flower to protect trichomes.
Watering frequency should track root mass and media type. In coco coir, small, frequent irrigations keeping 10–20% runoff help maintain stable EC and oxygenation. In soil, a wet-dry cycle that never fully dries supports consistent nutrient uptake; aim for 10–15% container weight loss before rewatering. Overwatering elevates risk for root pathogens; maintain root zone temperatures at 68–72°F (20–22°C) for optimal uptake.
Yields vary based on environment, training, and CO2 use. Indoors, experienced growers report 400–550 g/m² in dialed conditions, with advanced rooms occasionally exceeding 600 g/m². Outdoors in full sun with rich soil and proper trellising, 500–900 g per plant is attainable in favorable seasons. Concentrate-oriented grows often sacrifice some dry flower yield to maximize resin quality and washing performance.
Harvest timing should be guided by trichome maturity. For a balanced lime-bright and custard-rich profile, many growers target ~5–10% amber trichomes on buds, with the majority cloudy by days 58–61. Earlier pulls (day 55–57) skew brighter and more energetic, while later pulls (day 63–65) deepen sedation and spice. Verify with a scope rather than relying solely on breeder timelines.
Drying parameters profoundly influence aroma retention. A slow dry at 60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH—often called “60/60”—for 10–14 days preserves monoterpenes and prevents chlorophyll lock. Gentle, indirect airflow and darkness protect trichomes and volatile compounds. Stems should snap lightly, not bend, before moving to cure.
Curing completes the flavor arc from lime-forward to balanced lime-and-custard. Jar or bin cure at 58–62% RH, burping daily during the first week, then weekly as moisture equalizes. Many batches peak in expression after 3–5 weeks of cure, with terpenes stabilizing and harshness diminishing. For long-term storage, keep containers airtight at 55–60°F (13–16°C) and away from light to minimize terpene loss.
Outdoor cultivation in regions like Oregon benefits from early topping, wider plant spacing (4–6 feet), and aggressive airflow via pruning and staking. Light dep (light deprivation) can move finish dates earlier into drier windows, reducing botrytis risk. Protective coverings or high tunnels add insurance against September rains, a common pressure in the Pacific Northwest. Emphasize potassium and calcium during peak flower to support dense bud formation without sacrificing cell wall integrity.
For solventless extraction goals, harvest slightly earlier—when trichomes are mostly cloudy with minimal amber—to preserve lighter citrus monoterpenes. Freeze fresh material as quickly as possible, spreading thin in food-grade bags to reduce clumping and preserve trichome integrity. Wash temperatures of 34–38°F (1–3°C) are a good starting point for resin release without excessive plant material. Gentle agitation and graded micron pulls (e.g., 220, 160, 120, 90, 73, 45) can help identify the cultivar’s best-yielding ranges.
Common pitfalls include overfeeding nitrogen in late veg and early flower, which can lead to leafy buds and reduced terpene density. Excess heat above 84°F (29°C) in late flower often flattens the lime aromatics and speeds terpene volatilization. High humidity above 60% in weeks six through nine raises botrytis risk in the compact colas. Address these variables proactively to keep quality high and losses low.
In summary, Key Lime Custard is a grower-friendly, indica-leaning dessert cultivar whose success hinges on environmental steadiness and thoughtful canopy work. Keep VPD in the sweet spot, feed moderately but consistently, and avoid harsh defoliation deep into flower. Time the harvest to your preferred balance of citrus snap and creamy body, then commit to a slow dry and deliberate cure. With these controls in place, the strain delivers standout flavor, resin, and repeatable yields that justify its reputation from Oregon Microgrowers Guild.
